Telecom Italia ad revenue up 16% as sale prepped

Advertising revenue for Telecom Italia Media’s free-to-air TV channels La7 and La7d in the first half of 2012 increased by 16 per cent on the same period in 2011, according to CEO Giovanni Stella.

Stella pointed out that these are exceptional results, as ad revenue is down by 18 to 20 per cent at public broadcaster Rai, while commercial rival Mediaset is losing “slightly more than they have declared”.

Asked by reporters to comment on the sale of Telecom Italia Media’s TV channels and frequencies, Stella confirmed press reports that 15 expressions of interest were received, adding that the assets are likely to be sold separately.

Stella also said that an information memorandum would be sent by the end of the month, after which the tender procedure would be opened.